Activities for Seniors
Save time with 1000s of activity ideas & helpful resources. Plan and implement activity programs that are stimulating, relevant, and suit a wide range of needs and interests.
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How to Create a Calm Environment for Memory Care
Your memory care unit is a busy place, bustling with resident, staff, and visitor activity. Unfortunately, too much stimulation can create an emotionally unhealthy environment for residents. Here’s how to keep things calm.
Articles Alzheimer's & Dementia Coronavirus: Covid-19 158 0New Member Activity
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Body & Health Quiz
Enjoy this body and health themed quiz!
Quiz International Nurses day 319 11 Comment Member Activity Updated
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Armchair Travel to India
This comprehensive armchair travel activity includes everything you need for a full day of travel to INDIA! Fact files, trivia, quizzes, music, food, posters, craft and more! We hope you enjoy the INDIA travelog!
India Armchair Travel 790 2New
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Indian Food Word Search
An Indian food themed word finder to enjoy!
India Word Search Indian Independence Day 191 3New
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India Quiz
A fun quiz all about India!
India Quiz Indian Independence Day 251 4New
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Card Concentration
I'm always trying to find relatable activities for our residents that have Alzhiemers. A deck of cards can go a long ways in creating some successful activities for both the men and women.
Alzheimer's & Dementia Games 524 52 Comments New Member Activity
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India Fact File
An attractive one-page fact file all about India. Print, distribute and discuss!
India Multicultural Indian Independence Day 225 6New
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India Bunting Templates
Bunting templates for decoration in the colors of the Indian flag!
India Indian Independence Day 49 7New
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India Travel Posters
India travel posters - a great way to decorate the room for an Indian theme day!
India Posters Indian Independence Day 68 8New
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15 Snippets of Indian Trivia
Learn about India with this trivia page!
India Trivia Indian Independence Day 2258 9New
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India Landmark Posters
Posters of some of the amazing landmarks and monuments in India
India Posters Indian Independence Day 64 10New
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Louis Armstrong and Others Sing Along - Instrumental and Song
Louis Armstrong and Others Sing Along - Instrumental and Song
189 113 Comments New Member Activity
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A Happy Singalong - When You're Smiling
Des O Connor has a lovely happy smiling face, our clients love this song, his singing is happy and infectious and by the end of the song everyone is smiling and happy, that's a wonderful feeling.
Music 298 122 Comments New Member Activity
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Sewing Machine Twiddle Muff Sleeve
Twiddle Muff Sleeve used for Non Pharmacological Intervention
Alzheimer's & Dementia 134 134 Comments New Member Activity
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World Chocolate Day Fun Facts
Fun Fact sheet for World Chocolate Day.
World Chocolate Day 445 142 Comments New Member Activity
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Newsletter Template - August 2020
Here is a newsletter template for August 2020 in WORD format. Easy to edit and customize!
Forms & Templates * August Activities * 1475 1523 Comments
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Short Story: The Disappearance of the Mona Lisa
The true story of the dissapearance of the Mona Lisa!
Short Stories * August Activities * 890 16
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Who Am I? August Birthdays
Guess who these famous people of yesteryear are - all born in August!! A fun reminiscing activity.
Who Am I Quiz * August Activities * 685 17
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10 More Activities for Residents in Isolation in August
Facilitate these activities to support residents in isolation in August
Coronavirus: Covid-19 * August Activities * 1658 18
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Back to School Word Search
In August, it's back-to-school season in parts of the globe, which makes it the perfect time to remember the excitement of zipping your new backpack and walking into your new classroom.
Word Search * August Activities * 302 19
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Jokes - Children's Thoughts
CHILDRENS THOUGHTS (you don't know what they are going to say next)
Jokes International Joke Day 1081 203 Comments Member Activity
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It Happened in August Quiz
This quiz is all about things relating to August. It includes historical events and trivia. It's tricky and informative and will promote much discussion!
Quiz * August Activities * 491 21
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Childhood Games Reminiscing
Use these questions to start a reminiscing conversation about summertime games residents may have played as children.
Reminiscing * August Activities * Summer (Northern Hemisphere) Summer (Southern Hemisphere) 743 22
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This Day In History For Seniors: August
A reminiscing magazine for every day in August! Enjoy the next edition of the popular 'This Day in History' series with historical trivia, jokes, quotes and biographies!
Short Stories This Day in History Trivia * August Activities * 8358 2313 Comments
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Canada Day Poster #3
A poster for Canada Day!
Posters Canada Canada Day 133 24
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Canada Day Poster #2
A poster for Canada Day!
Canada Posters Canada Day 75 25
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Canada Day Poster #1
A poster for Canada Day!
Canada Posters Canada Day 110 26
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International Beer Day Quiz 2
Here's amother fun beer quiz to celebrate International Beer Day in August!
Quiz International Beer Day Oktoberfest 219 27
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Numbers Quiz
All the answers to this quiz are numbers!
Quiz * August Activities * 853 28
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Guess the Surnames Quiz
Have fun guessing the surnames of these famous people!
Quiz * August Activities * 744 29
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Dog Days of Summer Social
The “dog days of summer” are the hot and humid days that stretch out in the middle of summer. Celebrate these hot and lazy days with a social for your residents.
Reminiscing Summer (Northern Hemisphere) 275 30
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A Day at the Beach Sensory Kit Inspiration
Everyone loves a day at the beach, and this theme is perfect for sensory stimulation kits.
Reminiscing Sensory Summer (Southern Hemisphere) Summer (Northern Hemisphere) 345 31
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Hang the Song Man
I have used this activity with long term care residents and memory care residents. Very Simple!
Word Games 748 324 Comments Member Activity
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Ice Cream Sandwiches to Try
Did you know August 2 is Ice Cream Sandwich Day in the U.S.?
* August Activities * 179 33Member Activity
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3 Benefits of Video Games for Seniors
You can install games on all platforms these days, from your phone, computer, laptop, tablet, you can buy dedicated consoles like an xBox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch. Some TVs even come with games. Here are 3 positive aspects of gaming for seniors!
Articles Coronavirus: Covid-19 659 341 Comment
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Movie Titles with Colours in Them
Guess the following movie titles where all the missing words are colours. Can be read out loud or written on a white board. Give clues when necessary.
Quiz Reminiscing 648 353 Comments Member Activity
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Rat Pack Singalong: Instrumental and Song
Stimulate the mind and memories through music. For each song there is an instrumental versión and then the sung versión.
Reminiscing Music 473 362 Comments Member Activity
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Summertime Bingo
Summertime bingo with 16 cards, calling cards start on page 17. Enjoy!
Bingo Summer (Southern Hemisphere) Summer (Northern Hemisphere) 836 373 Comments Member Activity
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Word Meaning Game
Here is a simple word game to enjoy with a small group of residents.
Word Games 496 382 Comments Member Activity
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The Power of an Apology
We all make mistakes and it is vital to acquire the ability to recognize our own mistakes. When misunderstandings get out of hand, an apology is the most effective way of restoring trust.
Articles 724 396 Comments
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The Laughing Policeman Sing-Along
LAUGHTER - You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing (Michael Pritchard).
Music 853 404 Comments Member Activity
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Royal Quiz - Queen's Offical Birthday
I have put together a quick Royal Quiz for us to use on the Queen's offical birthday on 13th of June.
England Queen's Birthday 471 413 Comments Member Activity
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General Knowledge Slideshow Quiz
Using visuals to prompt memory and experience the world around us makes for a stimulating interactive activity.
Quiz 1745 424 Comments Member Activity
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5 Best Practice Documentation Habits
If you didn’t document it, it didn’t happen. Even if you’ve only been working in senior care for a few months, you have probably heard this saying.
Articles 1431 43Member Activity
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Traveling Light
This game can be played individually, or in pairs as a pen and paper game, or as a group activity on a board.
Happy Hour Games Armchair Travel 1143 442 Comments Member Activity
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Conquest of Everest -29th May 1953
Mount Everest was first successfully climbed on 29th May 1953. Remember this special anniversary with a wide-ranging and comprehensive activity pack. Just pick and choose what you want to use.
Reminiscing * May Anytime * 161 452 Comments Member Activity
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Armchair Travel to France
This comprehensive armchair travel activity includes everything you need for a full day of travel to FRANCE! Fact files, trivia, quizzes, music, food, posters, craft and more! We hope you enjoy the FRANCE travelog!
Armchair Travel France Multicultural Bastille Day (France) 2517 465 Comments
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Old Wives Tales #2 - True or False?
Can you guess which old wives tales are true and which are false?
Quiz Trivia 3238 472 Comments Member Activity
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Optical Illusion Fun
Enjoy some mind-bending fun with these optical illusions!
Quiz Riddles World Creativity and Innovation Week 3238 484 Comments Member Activity
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Dip Tasting Sensory Activity
A delicious sensory experience for seniors!
Sensory 301 491 Comment Member Activity
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Free Activity Calendar for Seniors
You can now add Daily Schedules, Icons, and Print at a variety of sizes! This easy to edit activity calendar can be pre-filled with upcoming events and celebration ideas for nursing homes and assisted living facilities. A perfect resource for activity coordinators working with the elderly.
Forms & Templates Articles 72988 095 Comments
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20 Practical Activities for people living with Alzheimer’s Disease
20 activities for the elderly with dementia. The following ideas may be used on a one-to-one basis and others may be suitable for small groups depending on their abilities. These dementia activities are designed to promote and maintain existing skills.
Alzheimer's & Dementia Articles 36581 163 Comments
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Words in Words Game
This game is very popular! It provides mental stimulation, social interaction and promotion of self-worth.
Word Games 28805 270 Comments
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The Price is Right Game
This is such a fun game! Residents will love reminiscing about the price of groceries in a social setting.
Games Alzheimer's & Dementia 27498 352 Comments
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Things that go Together Quiz
There are two ways to play this game. Great for people living with dementia!
Quiz Alzheimer's & Dementia Coronavirus: Covid-19 24511 435 Comments
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How To Structure Reminiscing Sessions For Seniors
Reminiscing with the elderly is a wonderful way to validate the lives of individuals and provide seniors with a sense of purpose, especially those living with dementia. Reminiscing activities also encourage social interaction and promote interpersonal skills.
Reminiscing Alzheimer's & Dementia Articles 22758 530 Comments
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Games for People Living with Dementia
Adapting and modifying games for seniors is necessary for all sorts of different reasons. As well as for those living with dementia, games need to be modified for those who use wheelchairs and those with impaired vision or sensory loss.
Alzheimer's & Dementia Games Articles 20422 639 Comments
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Balloon Games
Gentle exercise for the arms as well as an opportunity to socialize! Great for game for the elderly. Also suitable for people living with dementia.
Exercise Games Alzheimer's & Dementia Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 19794 760 Comments
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School Days Reminiscing Cards
This is a wonderful game that can be adapted to any occasion. Residents will enjoy reminiscing and sharing stories.
Reminiscing Alzheimer's & Dementia World Teachers Day 19548 827 Comments
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6 Whiteboard Games for the Elderly
Whiteboards are an indispensable tool for Activity Coordinators and can be used for group activities, communication and learning!
Articles Games Word Games Happy Hour Coronavirus: Covid-19 19348 930 Comments
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Bucket of Bean Bags Game
This simple and fun game promotes friendships and physical activity!
Exercise Games Alzheimer's & Dementia Fathers Day (US, Canada & UK) Fathers Day (Australia & NZ) Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 18857 1017 Comments
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Finish the Sayings and Proverbs Game
This fun and simple game is great for seniors including people living with dementia. Includes well known sayings, idioms and proverbs that they will remember from their past.
Word Games Games Alzheimer's & Dementia Happy Hour Coronavirus: Covid-19 17790 1133 Comments
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Musical Bingo
Musical Bingo improves recall and provides opportunities to reminisce. It is also an enjoyable and sociable game. This game was created by a Music Therapist I worked with and it was very popular in our Dementia Care Unit. If you don't have time to put the game together, ask a volunteer to help you. All you need is a computer, a printer and a laminator. This activity includes downloadable song cards and calling cards.
Music Reminiscing Alzheimer's & Dementia Bingo International Music Day World Music Day 17598 1212 Comments
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Difficult Behaviour Care Plan 1
Anna is a 79 year old lady living with 2nd stage dementia. She seems to understand what staff say but is very slow to respond. She is restless most of the day, sitting for only minutes at time...
Care Plans 17364 1334 Comments
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Sample Activities Calendars
Sample monthly and weekly activity calendars for activity coordinators working in nursing homes. I know from experience that when i first started at a rest home I was thrown in the deep end, and I just thought by sharing this it may help out a newbie to develop their activities program. This is a wonderful resource to help you plan ahead. Thanks to everyone who has shared their calendar.
Forms & Templates 17227 1442 Comments Member Activity
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Songs for Seniors Quiz
Here is an over 80s song list. It includes lyrics to over 80 popular songs from yesteryear to enjoy in a sing-along. Sing the first line, and then ask residents to sing the next line!
Music Quiz Coronavirus: Covid-19 International Music Day World Music Day 16750 1579 Comments Member Activity
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10 Activities to Make Seniors Laugh
Instilling a culture of humor and laughter into long-term care facilities is good for everyone and may even improve the overall functioning and well-being of your clients. It is important to incorporate funny and amusing activities into your regular program that cater to all tastes.
Jokes Articles 16732 1616 Comments
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Recycled Dream Spring Tree
Celebrate spring at your nursing home by making a gorgeous dream tree composed of spring flowers and blossoms!
Craft Colouring Spring (Southern Hemisphere) Spring (Northern Hemisphere) Summer (Southern Hemisphere) Summer (Northern Hemisphere) 16519 1754 Comments
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Free Music Playlists for the Elderly
Music has been proven to be very beneficial for the elderly in long term care, particularly those living with dementia or Alzheimer's Disease. Here are some wonderful free playlists of famous songs from the 40s, 50s & 60s!
Music Articles 16171 1828 Comments
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How to write a Care Plan
The documentation process varies from facility to facility but there are usually three important steps to follow.
Care Plans Articles 15732 1920 Comments
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Spot the Differences Contest
Have some fun having a 'Spot the Differences' contest! This is a great group activity for seniors!
Games Spot the Difference Colouring Fathers Day (US, Canada & UK) Fathers Day (Australia & NZ) * August Activities * * September Anytime * 14837 2018 Comments
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Care Plan Goals & Interventions
Learn how to respond to the assessment of needs with the following 6 case studies extracted from resident care plans.
Articles Care Plans 14465 2112 Comments
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15 uplifting activities for people with limited mobility
Elderly people who are confined to bed for long periods of time because of diagnosis or frailty often experience severe mood swings. They get tired of sitting or lying down, become bored with life and miss social contact with others.
Articles Alzheimer's & Dementia One-on-One 14459 2217 Comments
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Read Aloud Activities for the Elderly
For the elderly who loved to read all their lives, listening to someone read to them can bring profound comfort and joy. Why not start a Read-Aloud Readers Group activity at your facility; a Book Club with a difference! Read-aloud activities are an intervention well worth pursuing.
Articles Reminiscing Hobby Clubs Coronavirus: Covid-19 World Read Aloud Day 14300 2324 Comments
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Dementia Program - Weekly
This sample program is for acute Dementia care. Some people like to do it weekly, others monthly. Download the form and adjust it to suit you.
Alzheimer's & Dementia Forms & Templates 14259 2410 Comments
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Sensory Stimulation for Dementia Care
Sensory stimulation is the activation of one or more of the senses such as taste, smell, sight, hearing, and touch. Sensory stimulation is a key component for improving the quality of life of people living with dementia.
Articles Sensory Alzheimer's & Dementia 13643 2515 Comments
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Armchair Travel: A Sensory Experience for Seniors
Armchair Travel takes people to faraway places without leaving home. It provides a sensory experience and the opportunity to learn about exotic lands and important past events in a meaningful manner. This is a wonderful activity for seniors living in nursing homes and suitable for people with dementia.
Articles Multicultural Alzheimer's & Dementia New Zealand Reminiscing Colouring Armchair Travel Coronavirus: Covid-19 13548 2633 Comments
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Christmas Quiz
Here's a fun Christmas quiz for seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Quiz Christmas 13282 276 Comments
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Indigenous Australian Dot Paintings
Indigenous Australians use plant shoots, Echidna quills and small twigs to paint their Dreamtime stories. Here are 12 Dot Painting Templates to enjoy with the elderly.
Craft Australia Colouring Australia Day NAIDOC Week World Indigenous Day 13245 2813 Comments
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50 Activities for the Elderly in Lockdown and Isolation
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is causing chaos worldwide and this is a hard time for so many. We need to hang in there - these crazy times will pass. Here are some in-room activitiy ideas for residents to enjoy while in isolation.
Articles Coronavirus: Covid-19 13195 2921 Comments
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How to Plan Music Activities for Dementia Care
Everyone responds instinctively to music. A person’s ability to engage in music often remains intact far into the advanced stages of dementia. Music triggers certain networks of the brain that benefit people suffering from difficulties with language, cognition, or motor control.
One-on-One Music Articles Alzheimer's & Dementia 12507 3010 Comments
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Tips for One-on-One Visits with Seniors
It is not uncommon for seniors living in assisted-living facilities to lack mental stimulation and social contact. Recreation Therapists often use one-on-one visits to respond to the needs of those who avoid social settings. There are many enjoyable games and activities that can keep minds and bodies strong and active.
One-on-One Articles Alzheimer's & Dementia 12311 3114 Comments
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Tips for Writing Successful Activity Programs for Senior Care
Designing activity programs for residents in nursing homes and long term care requires creative thinking and enthusiasm. Your main point of reference will be the assessment of your clients.
Articles Alzheimer's & Dementia 12245 3216 Comments
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13 Reminiscing Themes for Seniors
Sharing and recollecting memories with seniors in long term care helps them to affirm who they are and maintain self worth.
Articles Reminiscing 12224 3311 Comments
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15 Activities for Loners and Introverted Seniors
Most long term care facilities have some residents who are ‘loners’ or ‘introverts’; they enjoy being in their bedrooms and do not often pursue interaction with others.
Articles One-on-One 12199 3427 Comments
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How to motivate residents in long term care
Encouraging the elderly to participate in scheduled activities can be challenging. Lack of engagement is a common problem. It is important that you identify any barriers - whether perceived or real - that might be preventing residents from getting involved.
Articles Alzheimer's & Dementia 12165 3530 Comments
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Heart of Kindness
This is a group activity suitable for other celebrations as well, such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day.
Craft World Kindness Day Valentine's Day Mothering Sunday (UK) Mothers Day (Australia, NZ, US & Canada) 12163 368 Comments
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Name a Word Quiz #1
Here's a fun word game for Seniors - Name a word starting with the same letter across 10 categories. Answers included!
Quiz Word Games * July Anytime * 11629 374 Comments
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Festive Wall Art Craft
Lovely wall art for all occasions! Video instructions included.
Craft Valentine's Day Easter Halloween 11614 386 Comments Video
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Brain Quiz – Guess the Words
Challenge your brain and guess the words that fit these sentences.
Quiz * July Anytime * 11253 392 Comments
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Two Minute Activities for Dementia Care
During your working hours, you will see many clients outside of programmed activities; seize the opportunity and engage with them. It will only take a minute or two and can transform someone's state of mind and lift their spirits more than you can imagine.
Articles Alzheimer's & Dementia 11199 4025 Comments
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Activities for Men
Men’s activities are challenging! The best way to find meaningful activities for men is to uncover past lifestyle choices and history - you can gather this information from residents and their families. Here are 8 tips for engaging men in meaningful activities.
For Men Articles 11145 417 Comments
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This Day in History for Seniors: January
A reminiscing magazine for every day in January! Enjoy a full page of information about every day of the year, including important historical events, short bios, jokes, quotes, and fun brain teasers.
This Day in History Short Stories Trivia * January Anytime * 10926 4249 Comments
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Old Wives Tales - True or False?
Old wives tales are widely held traditional beliefs that are now thought to be unscientific or incorrect. Nevertheless, many old wives tales have been scientifically proven to be true! Can you guess which ones?
Quiz Trivia Happy Hour * November Anytime * 10926 439 Comments
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Bow Ties for Father's Day and Special Events
VIDEO Instructions included! Make bow ties in a craft session and give it to your male residents on Father’s Day to help celebrate this festive occasion.
Craft Fathers Day (Australia & NZ) Fathers Day (US, Canada & UK) 10752 4416 Comments Video
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For Giggles
Short and sweet jokes to share!
Jokes International Joke Day April Fool's Day * March Anytime * 10731 451 Comment
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Table soccer
This is an ideal game for men to form/strengthen friendships whilst having fun.
Games For Men Fathers Day (US, Canada & UK) Fathers Day (Australia & NZ) 10712 467 Comments
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Guessing Game - Who Am I?
This is a wonderful reminiscing activity in a group setting. Guess the names of these famous people from the clues provided.
Reminiscing Alzheimer's & Dementia Games Who Am I 10677 479 Comments
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This Day in History for Seniors: February
** Updated for the 2020 Leap Year ** A reminiscing magazine for every day in February! Filled with interesting facts, trivia, hit singles and famous movies from the 50s, 60s and 70s.
This Day in History Short Stories Trivia * February Anytime * 10669 4824 Comments
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Jokes
Here are some funny, light-hearted jokes to share with your residents.
Jokes International Joke Day 10609 494 Comments
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